Music icon Quincy Jones dies at 91

Legendary music producer Quincy Jones, identified for hits like Michael Jackson’s Thriller and Frank Sinatra’s ‘Fly Me to the Moon,’ has handed away at 91.

His demise was introduced by his household consultant Arnold Robinson on Sunday, who mentioned the music icon died peacefully at his Bel Air house in Los Angeles, surrounded by household.

He mentioned, “Tonight, with full however damaged hearts, we should share the information of our father and brother Quincy Jones’ passing. And though that is an unimaginable loss for our household, we have a good time the nice life that he lived and know there’ll by no means be one other like him.

He’s actually one among a sort, and we’ll miss him dearly; we take consolation and immense delight in realizing that the love and pleasure that had been the essence of his being was shared with the world by way of all that he created. Quincy Jones’ coronary heart will beat for eternity by way of his music and boundless love.”

Profession

Jones’ profession spanned seven many years, throughout which period he left an indelible mark on the music trade. Within the Nineteen Eighties, he famously produced Michael Jackson’s Off the Wall, Thriller, and Unhealthy, among the many best-selling albums ever. His collaborations weren’t restricted to Jackson; he labored with many legendary artists, together with Frank Sinatra, Aretha Franklin, and Donna Summer time.

In 1985, Jones produced the star-studded charity single We Are the World, which raised hundreds of thousands for famine aid in Africa. He additionally scored the soundtracks for iconic movies corresponding to The Italian Job and The Shade Purple, the latter incomes him three of his seven Academy Award nominations. His accolades embrace 28 Grammy Awards from 80 nominations, making him some of the celebrated figures in Grammy historical past.

Legacy

Past music, Jones’ affect prolonged to movie and tv. He co-created The Contemporary Prince of Bel-Air, which launched the profession of actor Will Smith and based Qwest TV, an on-demand music streaming service, in 2017. His manufacturing work prolonged to varied TV sequence, and he supported many charities, together with the Nationwide Affiliation for the Development of Coloured Individuals (NAACP) and the Jazz Basis of America.

READ ALSO: MOVIE REVIEW: ‘Inside Life’ is uncooked exploration of Nigeria’s harsh realities

Jones’ life story is a testomony to the facility of resilience. Born in Chicago in 1933, he overcame a difficult childhood and found his ardour for music early on. As a youngster, he started taking part in in bands, together with with a younger Ray Charles in Seattle. His musical journey led him to Europe within the Nineteen Fifties, the place he honed his craft and collaborated with jazz greats.

Private Life and Challenges

Jones confronted his share of non-public challenges. He narrowly averted tragedy in 1969 when he missed an appointment at Sharon Tate’s home on the evening of the notorious Manson Household murders. In 1974, he survived a life-threatening mind aneurysm. Jones was married 3 times, first to Jeri Caldwell, then to Ulla Andersson, and eventually to Peggy Lipton, and had seven youngsters, together with actress Rashida Jones. Regardless of advancing, he maintained a full of life social presence and continued mentoring younger musicians.

Jones’ affect on music and leisure is profound and eternal. Because the tributes pour in, he’s remembered for his groundbreaking work and the love and pleasure he dropped at hundreds of thousands by way of his artwork. He’s survived by his seven youngsters and an unparalleled legacy that may dwell on for generations.